Shopping for home improvements such as a roofing system can be a bit challenging since your final product is intangible until the job is complete. As compared to buying a car, a roof cannot be inspected or test-driven before it’s bought. Instead, you are at the mercy of the roofing contractor’s reputation, word, and experience. For this reason, it’s important to choose a roofing contractor whose performance record is as good as test-driven.
Here are some of the guidelines proposed by NRCA on how to pre-qualify a professional roofing contractor:
- Check out for their permanent place of business
First and foremost, you need to check out whether your contractor is well established with a permanent place of business, tax identification, telephone number, and business license.
- Check for a proven track record
You need to consider hiring a roofing contractor with a proven track record that has at least 1000 completed projects and provides you with client references. You also need to call these clients to check out whether they were satisfied with the work or not.
- Ask them for a proof of insurance
Before doing anything, you need to insist on seeing copies of the worker’s compensation coverage and contractor’s liability. Remember, if you choose a contractor who is not properly insured, you may be liable for any accidents that occur on your property. In the past, many building owners and homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors.
- Check the license
You also need to choose a roofing contractor who is properly licensed and bonded. Almost all states require all roofing contractors to have a license. So, make sure you verify their licenses before you can continue with the contract.
- Confirm their financial status
You also need to check their financial stability. A professional roofing contractor should be able to certify their financial strength by providing a bank letter from its financial institution.
- Ask for a written proposal
It’s also important to insist on professionally drafted proposals and check it out for a complete description of the work and any specifications including procedures for payments.
- Confirm if they have professional credentials
You also need to ask them whether they are members of the National Roofing Contractors Association. Involvement in such organizations always enables them to be better informed about the latest developments in the roofing industry so they have the knowledge and resources to meet their needs.
- Check their rating
You also need to call the Better Business Bureau so you can ask about their rating and whether there are any complaints that have been lodged with them in the past.
- Project supervision
You should also ask the contractor to explain their quality control procedures and project supervision. Request to know who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the duration that they need to complete the job.
- Check the warranties
It’s also important to check the contractor’s warranty that covers workmanship and the roofing material warranty that covers materials. Remember, a manufacturer’s warranty alone cannot protect you if the job is poorly done.
There you have it; how to pre-qualify a roofing contractor according to NRCA’s guidelines. Whether you are building owner or homeowner, these guidelines will help you choose the best roofing contractor.
